11 Jun 2020

Marist College responds to racism accusations

From Morning Report, 8:22 am on 11 June 2020

Further to our story yesterday about Auckland's Marist College removing Black Lives Matter posters.

Year 13 student Nia Cherrington stepped down as Marist College's cultural leader after teachers tore down Black Lives Matter posters she'd put up around the school.

She was joined yesterday by a number of her peers all voicing their concerns about alleged systemic racism at the Catholic girl's college.

Yesterday Marist College principal Raechelle Taulu said in a statement she was aware of "the concern our young people have about racism in our society and in the world.

"We stand with them in sharing the rejection of actions and attitudes that are racist and violent."

A statement in from the Board of Trusstees this morning:

"Our Board of Trustees and Senior Management met last night to discuss the issues raised in the last 24 hours. "It is agreed that our students have every right to be heard as this issue is very serious.

"Over the last week senior management has set up several ways to support students to discuss and learn about racism in our world as a school as the term progresses.

"As we are currently completing a formal investigation into issues raised with us and in the media, we can make no further comment at this time.

"We will be welcoming the support of the Catholic Diocese, proprietors of our school, to mediate a meeting with those that have raised issues and to address these matters."